PIONEEREDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand reportedly witnessed 55 zero pilgrim days and 89 days where the footfall remained between one to 1,000 pilgrims across different shrines till August 31 as per the data provided by the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation.
An analysis by the Dehradun-based SDC Foundation shows that Yamunotri reported 23 zero pilgrim days, Gangotri 27, Hemkund Sahib reported three days and Badrinath two days. Days with fewer than 1,000 pilgrims included 30 at Yamunotri, nine at Gangotri, 29 at Hemkund Sahib, 19 at Kedarnath, and two at Badrinath.
According to SDC Foundation founder Anoop Nautiyal, frequent disruptions caused by weather events and landslides have hit the Yatra, affecting thousands who rely on it for their livelihood. He said that the State must move beyond record setting pilgrim counts and instead strengthen climate resilient infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, weather monitoring, communication networks and disaster-safe shelters.
He urged the government to announce an economic relief package for businesses, transporters and service providers facing losses this season. He said that without such measures, many small operators risk closure, leading to wider social and economic stress.
Nautiyal stated that the Yatra remains uncertain in the coming weeks as it was suspended for five days in early September while road connectivity to Yamunotri and Gangotri continues to face damage. The government’s ability to respond quickly will determine how the remaining season unfolds, he added.
